Grenade simulation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A grenade simulation apparatus is provided that allows users to simulate the detonation of a standard grenade, flashbang grenade, and impact grenade, without using explosive charges, fire, or pressurized material. The apparatus may provide both visual and auditory feedback in a safe and re-usable manner. The apparatus may provide a method for triggering a simulated detonation externally using a switch. A simulated detonation may include visual and/or auditory feedback, such as through the use of a siren and LEDs.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to grenade simulation apparatus and, more specifically, to a grenade simulator that emits visual and auditory feedback in a safe and re-usable manner upon triggering of a simulated detonation.

BACKGROUND

Grenades are well known and may be used by military, civilian police, or security personnel to kill or incapacitate adversary personnel. Three common types of grenades include the standard or fragmentation grenade, a concussion or impact grenade, and a stun or flashbang grenade. Standard (or fragmentation) grenades are commonly designed to disperse lethal fragments on detonation. The body of a standard grenade is generally made of a hard synthetic material or steel, which provides fragmentation as shards and splinters, and some standard grenades may include a pre-formed fragmentation matrix such as spherical, cuboid, wire or notched wire. Most standard grenades are designed to detonate either after a time delay or on impact.

A concussion grenade is an anti-personnel device that is designed to damage its target with explosive power alone. Compared to standard/fragmentation grenades, the explosive filler is usually of a greater weight and volume, and the housing is thinner. The concussion effect, rather than any expelled fragments, causes damage.

A stun or flashbang grenade is less-lethal weapon, designed to produce a blinding flash of light and loud noise without causing permanent injury. The flash produced may momentarily activate light sensitive cells in the eye, impairing vision for a period of time until the eye restores itself. Additionally, the loud blast may cause temporary loss of hearing and also disturb the fluid in the ear causing loss of balance. These grenades are designed to temporarily neutralize the combat effectiveness of enemies by disorienting their senses.

The prevalence of grenades in use throughout the world prompts the need for many military and civilian forces to train for the possibility of a grenade being used against them. Accordingly, effective training devices, which are efficient and cost effective, may be beneficial.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure recognizes it would be useful to have a device that can simulate a grenade for training purposes. Furthermore, it would also be beneficial to have a device that can simulate multiple different types of grenades without requiring different types of training devices. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a grenade simulation apparatus may include audible and visual indications of a grenade detonation, and be programmable to simulate multiple different types of grenades.

In some examples, a grenade simulation apparatus is provided that allows users to simulate the detonation of a standard grenade, flashbang grenade, and impact grenade, without using explosive charges, fire, or pressurized material. The apparatus may provide both visual and auditory feedback in a safe and re-usable manner. In some examples, the apparatus may provide a method for triggering a simulated detonation externally using a switch. A simulated detonation may include visual and/or auditory feedback, such as through the use of a siren and LEDs.

In some examples, a grenade simulation apparatus may include a housing having a size and shape to replicate a grenade, a controller mounted within the housing that provides two or more modes of operation for the grenade simulation apparatus, a light unit coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide visual stimulus external to the housing, an acoustic unit coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide audible stimulus external to the housing, and a user interface coupled with the housing and coupled with the controller. The controller may be configured to receive input from the user interface and initiate one of the two or more modes of operation based at least in part on the input from the user interface. In some examples, the two or more modes of operation include a flashbang mode of operation, a standard grenade mode of operation, or an impact grenade mode of operation.

In some examples, an input from the user interface may initiate a timer, and the controller may activate one or more of the light unit or acoustic unit to simulate a detonation upon expiration of the timer. In some cases, the controller may be configured to initiate repetitive detonations until a halt input is received from the user interface. The apparatus may include a power source such as replaceable batteries or a rechargeable power source.

In some examples, the apparatus may also include an external trigger interface coupled with the controller and configured to receive a trigger signal from an external trigger located away from the grenade simulation apparatus. The external trigger interface may be coupled with the external trigger through a wired interface or wireless interface such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Further, in some examples, the apparatus may include a vibration feedback unit coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide vibratory stimulus to the housing. In some cases, the apparatus also may include an accelerometer mounted at least partially within the housing and the controller may simulate a detonation of the grenade simulation apparatus based at least in part on detecting impact at the accelerometer.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features which are believed to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, both as to their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a grenade simulation apparatus according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a grenade simulation apparatus according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a grenade simulation apparatus and external trigger according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the grenade simulation apparatus showing an end cap removed for battery replacement, according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective exploded view of the grenade simulation apparatus, according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing functional components of a grenade simulation apparatus, according to various aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating operational steps in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description provides examples, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements.

Thus, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, aspects and elements described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be appreciated that the following systems, devices, and components may individually or collectively be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

The present disclosure recognizes it would be useful to have a device that can simulate a grenade for training purposes. Furthermore, it would also be beneficial to have a device that can simulate multiple different types of grenades without requiring different types of training devices, thus saving on costs and inventory for such training devices. The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for grenade simulation that allow users to simulate the detonation of two or more different types of grenade, such as a standard grenade, flashbang grenade, or impact grenade, without using explosive charges, fire, or pressurized material. The apparatus may provide both visual and auditory feedback in a safe and re-usable manner. A simulated detonation may include visual and/or auditory feedback, such as through the use of a siren and LEDs. Thus, the present disclosure provides for grenade simulation using a versatile device capable of multiple different modes of operation and multiple different timing, triggering, or feedback schemes for different modes of operation.

Grenade simulation apparatuses previously included single-use devices that may emit smoke and/or a relatively loud popping noise, dummy grenades that do not provide any feedback, or devices that simulate only one type of grenade. Grenade simulation apparatuses according to various aspects of the present disclosure may provide several advantages over prior devices, such as not requiring the use of pressurized or explosive materials, providing replaceable battery power, providing multiple operation modes include standard grenade, flashbang and impact grenade, capability to be reused many times, an external trigger mechanism, a repetitive detonation mode to prevent device loss, a low battery indication, and/or multiple programmable time delays and visual/auditory response, to name a few. In some examples, the grenade simulation apparatus may include a ruggedized case, a microcontroller, an accelerometer, LED strips, a siren, internal battery power, push buttons, and other circuitry components. Electronics may be mounted on one or more printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that are connected together with wires to provide functionality for the device.

With reference to FIGS. 1-2, one specific example of a grenade simulation apparatus 100 of the present disclosure is illustrated. The grenade simulation apparatus 100 includes a case 105 that is sized and shaped to replicates the feel of a standard grenade and provide shock protection to the electronic components within the case 105. The case 105 material, in some examples, is a strong plastic (e.g., polycarbonate) to avoid breaking upon impact in cases where the grenade simulation apparatus 100 may be thrown (e.g., for training exercises). Rubber end caps 110 and 115 are also included in this example to mitigate impact and shock to the case 105. A power button 120 may be located on an end of the case 105, as illustrated in this example. A configuration panel 125 may include a mode selection button 130, which may be used to select an operational mode and/or detonation delay time for the grenade simulation apparatus 100. The configuration panel 125 also may include a continuous operation button 135 and mode/status LEDs 140. In some examples, if the continuous operation button 135 may be used to select a loss prevention feature, where the device will continue to provide auditory and/or visual feedback periodically (e.g., every 5 minutes) until turned off. Such a feature may allow the grenade simulation apparatus 100 to be more easily found following a training exercise.

As indicated above, the grenade simulation apparatus 100 may simulate a grenade detonation, which may provide visual and/or auditory feedback to indicate detonation. In the example grenade simulation apparatus 100, LEDs 145 may provide visual feedback upon detonation. Additionally, in this example, a siren is located internal to the case 105 and may provide loud auditory feedback upon detonation. In one example, the siren is a Mallory Sonalert PS-953Q siren, and the LEDs 145 are SuperBrightLEDs WFLS-X3 high intensity LEDs, and a CW Industries GPB556A05BR pushbutton is used for the power button 120, the mode selection button 130, and the continuous operation button 135.

The grenade simulation apparatus 100 may be triggered using a trigger 155 on the case 105, or with a remote trigger that may be electrically coupled with the grenade simulation apparatus 100 through external trigger port 150. In some examples, a user may trigger the device directly using trigger 155, or externally through an external trigger connected to external trigger port 150. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an external trigger 200 that may be connected with trigger ports 150 through trigger leads 205. While a wired external trigger 200 is illustrated, in other examples the trigger 200 may have a wireless connection with a trigger receiver of the grenade simulation apparatus, such as a radio frequency connection (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.). The device may provide a simulated detonation through lighting of LEDs 145 or activation of the siren, or both, either immediately or upon expiration of a timer. In some examples, the grenade simulation apparatus 100 may be selected to simulate an impact grenade, and following a trigger a user may throw the grenade simulation apparatus 100, which may detonate when an accelerometer within the device indicates that the grenade simulation apparatus 100 has landed or struck some surface.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate internal components of the exemplary grenade simulation apparatus 100. As illustrated in FIG. 4, batteries 160 may be used as a power source for the device, which may be accessed through the removal of an end cap 110 and a head cap 175 of the case 105. In other examples, the grenade simulation apparatus may include a rechargeable power source, and a charging port may be provided in the case 105. FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of components of grenade simulation apparatus, in which the case 105 may have a bottom half 105-a and a top half 105-b, that may be secured together with screws 165. The head cap 175 may be secured with head cap screws 180. In this example, a siren 170 and an acoustic vent 185 are located at an end of the case 105 for audible feedback. Also mounted within the case 105, is one or more PCBAs, which may include a central PCB that may have a microcontroller that controls the operation of the grenade simulation apparatus 100. In one example, the microcontroller is an MSP430 microcontroller manufactured by Texas Instruments of Dallas Tex. In some examples, the MSP430 may be programmed to interact with each component of the system, and a connector is present on the bottom of the PCB which may allow the device to be reprogrammed if needed.

FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of a grenade simulation device 600 in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Device 600 may be an example of or include the components of grenade simulation device 100 as described above, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Device 600 may include electronic components for grenade simulation of different types of grenades with configurable delays or other simulated detonation triggers, including a processor 610, memory 620, software 625, a mode select and trigger input component 605, an acoustic component 615, a light component 630, optional vibration feedback and/or accelerometer components 635, and an optional transceiver 640 and antenna 645.

Processor 610 may include an intelligent hardware device, (e.g., a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic component, a discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof). As indicated above, in some examples the processor may be a MSP430 microcontroller or a portion thereof. In some cases, processor 610 may be configured to operate a memory array using a memory controller. In other cases, a memory controller may be integrated into processor 610. Processor 610 may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory to perform various functions (e.g., functions or tasks supporting modes for grenade simulation and simulated grenade detonations).

Processor 610 may be connected with other components of device 600 via, for example, bus 650. In some examples, a mode select and trigger input component 605 may include one or more components that are mounted to a case for the device 600, such as pushbuttons and status LEDs, and allow for user input to select an operational mode or provide a trigger input. In some examples, the mode select and trigger input component 605 may include an external port to receive inputs from an external device, such as an external trigger as illustrated in FIG. 3. In other examples, mode selection and trigger input may be provided through wireless transceiver 640 and antenna 645.

Acoustic component 615 may provide acoustic feedback during a simulated detonation as described herein. In some examples, acoustic component 615 may include a siren, although other types of acoustic feedback may be provided, as will be readily recognized by one of skill in the art. In some examples, acoustic component 615 may also provide acoustic feedback to indicate that a particular operational mode has been selected, or that a trigger input has been received. Light component 630 may provide visual feedback during a simulated detonation as described herein. In some examples, light component 630 may include high intensity LEDs that may turn on or flash during a simulated detonation. While LEDs are discussed for various examples herein, other types of visual feedback may be provided (e.g., strobes, incandescent lights, solid state lights, gas discharge lights, etc.), as will be readily recognized by one of skill in the art.

Optional vibration feedback component and/or accelerometer component 635 may provide other types of feedback or inputs to device 600. In some examples, vibration feedback may be provided as part of a simulated detonation or to indicate a particular mode has been selected. In such examples, vibration feedback component and/or accelerometer component 635 may include a vibration motor, for example, that may be activated by the processor 610. Additionally or alternatively, an accelerometer may be included in vibration feedback component and/or accelerometer component 635 that may be used to detect impact of the device 600 and trigger a simulated detonation.

Memory 620 may include random access memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory 620 may store computer-readable, computer-executable software 625 including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to perform various functions described herein. In some cases, the memory 620 may contain, among other things, a Basic Input-Output system (BIOS) which may control basic hardware and/or software operation such as the interaction with peripheral components or devices. In some cases, the memory 620 may be integrated with the processor 610 in a microcontroller.

Software 625 may include code to implement aspects of the present disclosure, including code to support simulated grenade detonations for different types of grenades, with configurable trigger conditions or times. Software 625 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as system memory or other memory. In some cases, the software 625 may not be directly executable by the processor but may cause a computer (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform functions described herein.

Transceiver 640 may provide wireless communications, via one or more antenna(s) 645, wired, or wireless links as described above. For example, the transceiver 640 may represent a wireless transceiver and may communicate with another wireless transceiver. The transceiver 640 may also include a modem to modulate the packets and provide the modulated packets to the antennas for transmission, and to demodulate packets received from the antennas.

In some cases, the device 600 may include a single antenna 645. However, in some cases the device may have more than one antenna 645, which may be capable of concurrently transmitting or receiving multiple wireless transmissions. In some cases, the transceiver 640 and antenna 645 may be included in a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, or other wireless communication module configured for wireless communications using an established or proprietary protocol.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 700 for grenade simulation in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. The operations of method 700 may be implemented by a grenade simulation device 100 or 600, or its components, as described herein. In some examples, a grenade simulation device 100 or 600 may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the grenade simulation device 100 or 600 may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware.

At block 705 the grenade simulation device may receive a mode input. The mode input may be received, for example, through mode select and trigger input 605 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 6. In some examples, the mode selection may be for a standard grenade, impact grenade, or flashbang grenade simulation. The mode input may also include a timing delay from a trigger input to a simulated detonation, in some examples.

At block 710, the grenade simulation device may receive a timing input for a detonation countdown timer. The timing input may be received, for example, through mode select and trigger input 605 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 6. In some examples, the timing input may be an amount of time between a trigger input and a simulated detonation, an indication of an immediate simulated detonation upon receiving a trigger input, or an indication that a simulated detonation upon receipt of an impact indication from an accelerometer following a trigger input.

At block 715, the grenade simulation device may set a countdown timer based on mode input, timing input, or any combination thereof. The countdown timer may be set, in some examples, by processor 610 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 6, based on the selected mode and timing inputs.

At block 720, the grenade simulation device may receive a trigger input. The trigger input may be received, for example, at mode select and trigger input component 605 of FIG. 6. In some examples, the trigger input may be made by a user depressing a trigger button on a case of the device. In other examples, an external trigger may be used that is connected with the device via a wired or wireless connection.

At block 725, the device may determine if the countdown timer is expired. The countdown timer may be monitored, in some examples, by processor 610 as discussed above with reference to FIG. 6. In the countdown timer has not expired, the countdown timer may be decremented at block 730, and the operations at block 725 performed again. In the countdown timer has expired, the device may similar detonation using audible and visual feedback, as indicated at block 735. In some examples, both auditory and visual feedback may be provided using acoustic component 615 and light component 630 of FIG. 6. In examples where immediate detonation is provided upon receipt of a trigger input, the countdown timer may simply be set to zero to simulate a detonation upon receipt of a trigger input. In examples that simulate detonation upon detection of an impact, the countdown timer may be set to expire upon receipt of the impact indication, or after some delay after impact is detected. In examples that may have the loss prevention feature selected, the device may continue to provide auditory and visual feedback until turned off (e.g., continuous detonation or periodic detonation).

While the examples of FIGS. 1-6 discuss a training simulation device, devices in accordance with the present disclosure may be used in other situations or for other purposes, and the examples discussed herein are not intended to limit the possible uses of the invention. For example, other possible uses of devices as discussed herein may include, for example, scaring off wild animals such as bears or mountain lions; a self-defense distraction device, a booby trap device, or a home protection device, to name a few.

While particular examples are described, it will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art that numerous variations may be implemented within the scope of this disclosure. For example, other form factors may be used, different inputs or outputs may be provided, different programming modes may be provided, or different trigger mechanisms may be provide, to name a few. Thus, the systems and devices discussed above are intended merely to be examples. It must be stressed that various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Also, it should be emphasized that technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are exemplary in nature and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Having described several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may merely be a component of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A grenade simulation apparatus, comprising: a housing; a controller mounted within the housing that provides two or more modes of operation for the grenade simulation apparatus; a sensory feedback component coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide a visual stimulus external to the housing, an audible stimulus external to the housing, or any combination thereof; and a user interface coupled with the housing and coupled with the controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive input from the user interface and initiate one of the two or more modes of operation based at least in part on the input from the user interface.
 2. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has a size and shape to replicate a grenade.
 3. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensory feedback component comprises one or more light sources and one or more sound sources.
 4. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more light sources comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that extend at least partially through the housing.
 5. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 3, wherein the one or more sound sources comprises a siren.
 6. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two or more modes of operation include two or more of: a flashbang mode of operation; a standard grenade mode of operation; or an impact grenade mode of operation.
 7. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input from the user interface initiates a timer, and wherein the controller activates one or more of the light unit or acoustic unit to simulate a detonation upon expiration of the timer.
 8. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controller, when configured to do so through the user interface, initiates a repetitive detonation until a halt input is received from the user interface.
 9. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source coupled with the controller, light unit, and acoustic unit.
 10. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 9, wherein the power source is a rechargeable power source or a replaceable power source.
 11. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an external trigger interface coupled with the controller and configured to receive a trigger signal from an external trigger located away from the grenade simulation apparatus.
 12. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 11, wherein the external trigger interface is coupled with the external trigger through a wired or wireless interface.
 13. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to provide multiple time delays for a selected mode of operation based at least in part on an input from the user interface.
 14. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to provide different visual stimulus or different audible stimulus for a selected mode of operation based at least in part on an input from the user interface.
 15. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a vibration feedback unit coupled with the controller and mounted at least partially within the housing to provide vibratory stimulus to the housing.
 16. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a cylindrical housing having impact absorbing mounts for mounting one or more of the controller, the light unit, or the acoustic unit.
 17. The grenade simulation apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an accelerometer mounted at least partially within the housing and coupled with the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to simulate a detonation of the grenade simulation apparatus based at least in part on detecting impact at the accelerometer. 